'It's an act of courage:' Legendary singer-songwriter Paul Simon, 74, says he is ready to retire after six-decade #career

Paul Simon says he is ready to give up writing and performing after six decades in the spotlight.

The singer-songwriter, 74, told The New York Times on Tuesday that he is 'coming towards the end' of his iconic career and is planning to retire and travel after a European tour this autumn.

'Showbiz doesn't hold any interest for me,' he said. 'None.'

'It's an act of courage to let go,' he said. 'I am going to see what happens if I let go.'

'Then I'm going to see, who am I? Or am I just this person that was defined by what I did? And if that's gone, if you have to make up yourself, who are you?... I don’t have any fear of it.'

The Graceland singer wraps up his current North American tour in Forest Hills, Queens on Friday.

It will be full circle for the iconic songwriter, who grew up in Forest Hills and also met his former musical partner Art Garfunkel there when they were teenagers.